To maximize screen space on its rumored 7.85-inch iPad, Apple will adopt a "slim bezel display," according to a new report.

The detail comes from sources in Apple's upstream supply chain who spoke with DigiTimes. They indicated that the 7.85-inch iPad will take on comparable smaller tablet models like the Amazon Kindle Fire or Samsung Galaxy Tab.

"Although the 7.85-inch iPads may not adopt Retina displays as in the recently released new iPads, the 7.85-inch model is likely to use IPS/FFS panels from LG Display and probably AU Optronics (AUO)," the report said.

It was suggested that the 7.85-inch iPad model will be targeted toward the sub-$300 market, with Apple pricing the device at either $249 or $299. Apple's current low-end model is the 16GB iPad 2, which starts at $399 for the Wi-Fi-only model.

Reports claiming Apple is at work on a smaller iPad model have picked up considerable steam in recent weeks. This month alone it was said that Apple has inked a deal with AU Optronics for displays for the device, while production is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2012.

The source for many of the rumors related to a 7.85-inch iPad has been DigiTimes, a technology industry publication based out of Taiwan that has a hit-or-miss track record with respect to Apple-related rumors. But last month The Wall Street Journal chimed in and indicated that Apple was working with suppliers to test a new iPad model with an 7-inch screen size.

Though reports of a smaller iPad continue, many have dismissed the rumored device as a product that Apple will never actually sell. In October of 2010, late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs slammed rivals who were building 7-inch tablets, saying the screen size was too small for users. He said that manufacturers of those devices would need to ship sandpaper with their 7-inch tablets so users could file down their fingers to the point where they could hit smaller targets on the screen.

I use both a 9.7" tablet as well as a 7" tablet, and both have their uses.

Main problem with a 9.7" tablet is, you're always walking around with your tablet, whereas the 7" tablet can be put in a pocket (jacket preferably So for business use, where you're not using it 100% of the time a 7" tablet is much easier to carry along.

The 7" tablet already has a much slimmer bezel than the iPad, and because you can hold in on one hand (between thumb and finger even), the bezel can easily be slimmed down more.

Me neither. The iPad has to be better than other devices for its key functions, one of which is browsing the web. The size of the iPad was clearly designed so that the majority of webpages are readable without zooming; a smaller iPad wouldn't achieve this. There would have to be a third set of apps designed for a smaller iPad too, or we'd have scaled up iPhone apps (what's the point?) or scaled down iPad apps that in some cases may be unusable.

Of course Apple will be playing with the idea of a smaller iPad just in case the market moves that way, but at the moment with iPad dominating I just can't see Apple changing their minds any time soon.

I think a 7.85" with micro bezel is not a BAD idea, I would suspect the iOS & apps would format similar to the iPhone / itouch, and maybe not quite the iPad. But what I would be more interested in would be a XL iPad, say 13 or 14". Not super portable (certainly on par with a typical laptop) but tons of screen realestate

Two thoughts: many very elderly people cannot pick up an iPad without messing up the screen -- even with the wide bezel. A narrow bezel would make the device totally unusable for them. They just don't have the dexterity and hand strength to hold an iPad by its edges.

On the other hand, many complain that the iPad is too heavy. If they fall asleep while reading in bed, the iPad falls on their noses and wakes them up!

Me neither. The iPad has to be better than other devices for its key functions, one of which is browsing the web. The size of the iPad was clearly designed so that the majority of webpages are readable without zooming; a smaller iPad wouldn't achieve this. There would have to be a third set of apps designed for a smaller iPad too, or we'd have scaled up iPhone apps (what's the point?) or scaled down iPad apps that in some cases may be unusable.

Of course Apple will be playing with the idea of a smaller iPad just in case the market moves that way, but at the moment with iPad dominating I just can't see Apple changing their minds any time soon.

Zooming is still required on a 9.7 Tablet. News sites in particular are link heavy. If people can manage on an iPhone 3.5 then it really strains credulity to attempt to tell them that web surfing on a device that is over twice as large would be difficult.

Your second point is likely wrong from a technical standpoint. The reason why 7.85 is the size chosen is because it's in a 4:3 ratio which means the same 1024x768 resolution as the iPad 2 would likely be used meaning apps designed for the iPad first and second generations would work.

He's a mod so he has a few extra vBulletin privileges. That doesn't mean he should stop posting or should start acting like Digital Jesus.- SolipsismX

Pricing is problematic. It is unlikely that Apple would start selling an 8-inch tablet priced pretty much on a par with the current Touch. I think we have seen Apple's response to the lower-cost tablets which is a $399 iPad like the one I'm typing on right now and bought yesterday.

When you can have a $399 tablet as capable as the iPad 2, It's rather a no-brainier to opt for that option over the many inferior options available.

The publication serving up these rumors can't do rumors about the next iPad 9.7-inch model right now because that's a year away. There have been attempts in the past to suggest Apple would update the iPad on a six-month cycle but it's obvious that is not how Apple is doing it.

There will be a new tablet in the fall in that the Touch hasn't had a major update in a long time. Maybe the Touch will grow a little but not all the way up to around 8 inches.

Even if Apple were to bunk Steve Job's wishes against a 7" device, I can't see it having a thin/no bezel design. It just wouldn't work from a design perspective. On an iPhone it's fine it fits in your hand but a table that would not be the case. You need to bezel to grip the device and if the device is all screen? Won't work and I can't see Jony Ive making that big a mistake.

Lets feed into this rumor.
Apple creates the awesome, by all accounts, the THE NEW IPAD, with a killer screen, 5x graphics ability all giving it that zing, pow, wow factor! Ok, so now they're going to release, rumor wise, a 7.x something inch iPad of the low low end variety for cheepo mofos that can't see themselves spending a little more for a high end iPad.
Pah-lease!!!!

Two thoughts: many very elderly people cannot pick up an iPad without messing up the screen -- even with the wide bezel. A narrow bezel would make the device totally unusable for them. They just don't have the dexterity and hand strength to hold an iPad by its edges.

On the other hand, many complain that the iPad is too heavy. If they fall asleep while reading in bed, the iPad falls on their noses and wakes them up!

Had to laugh. I did exactly that last night! I am thinking about a ceiling mount above the bed that suspends the iPad at exactly the right height when lightly held but retracts it upwards about a foot when let go .... Although it would then be a danger when getting up quickly ... Oh well back to the drawing board.

BTW, given the ease with which a typo can occur on an iPad am I the only one that wishes there were left and arrow keys to move the cursor easily once placed, as an option to trying to get the cursor in exactly the right position with a finger?

From Apple ][ - to new Mac Pro I've owned them all.Long on AAPL so biased"Google doesn't sell you anything, Google just sells you!"

Digitimes is the source for ALL the rumors, not many of them. All the other articles are just quoting Digitimes.

WHen someone else claims to have info then I might believe that Apple is making a 7.85 inch something although likely not an iPad. The timing suggests a revamp to the iPod touch to differentiate it from the iPhone.

Nevertheless, since the topic of a smaller iPad is still interesting to debate, what could it do better (by a wide margin) from competitive products?

1. A more portable (and less silly to use) movie camera with on board editing.
2. Resolution. No going back, a retina display is a huge differentiator and supports iPhoto, iMovie but most importantly iBooks! Bye bye Kindles & Nooks.
3. Portable gaming, with better graphics, especially for kids. Parents have been willing to spend on Nintendos with expensive games, iPod touches. This could become the must have gaming upgrade. Easier to tote along in a purse or small dedicated case than full sized iPad.

Just to name a few. I would buy one in a heartbeat for my kid. It would be the ultimate evolution and product category expansion of the iPod Touch. It would not be intended to replace the larger iPad. Nevertheless, for many it would suffice for basic Internet via apps and email.

Come on AI, can we stop with the Digitimes rumors? I mean, unless they get something right in the next 6-12 months, we should just boycott their rumors, and maybe they'll stop making #*!$ up for clickthroughs.

It would be the ultimate evolution and product category expansion of the iPod Touch. It would not be intended to replace the larger iPad. Nevertheless, for many it would suffice for basic Internet via apps and email.

Yup. The iPod touch has not been refreshed in more than a year. Perhaps this is where we will see a bigger screen.

Lets feed into this rumor.
Apple creates the awesome, by all accounts, the THE NEW IPAD, with a killer screen, 5x graphics ability all giving it that zing, pow, wow factor! Ok, so now they're going to release, rumor wise, a 7.x something inch iPad of the low low end variety for cheepo mofos that can't see themselves spending a little more for a high end iPad.
Pah-lease!!!!

What makes it even more absurd is that now the iPad line starts at $399 US. Unless you're looking at a rather limited device like the Fire, what competitor is delivering a worthwhile tablet for much less than $399. Sure the iPad is a little on the heavy side for a hand-held and it's too large to just slip into your pocket but if you want a large enough screen to enjoy video, browse, etc. then you have to give something up to get it. There are lots of truly portable options out there but really if you're looking for a handy device for use when hanging out at home, etc. there is no real competition for the iPad, especially not a perfectly decent $399 iPad.

I love the hate for the smaller iPad. Perhaps price has nothing to do with it. There is a market for good tablet (not the Android/Kindle crap) that has a smaller form factor. Apple can enter that market and own it too.

Apple has the iPhone 4 and 4S, but also the 3GS for free.
They have the iPod Nano and the Shuffle
They have the MacBook Pro's and had the Macbook for sub $1000 which has now been replaced with the 11" Air.

The point is a smaller iPad would not be without precedent in Apple's lineups.

what competitor is delivering a worthwhile tablet for much less than $399.

When the retina iPad hits $399 next year, if no Android devices exist to compete with it at its current price by then, there won't be any Android devices left in the tablet space. All the 'compelling' arguments to buy one will be moot.

I love the hate for the smaller iPad. Perhaps price has nothing to do with it. There is a market for good tablet (not the Android/Kindle crap) that has a smaller form factor. Apple can enter that market and own it too.

Apple has the iPhone 4 and 4S, but also the 3GS for free.
They have the iPod Nano and the Shuffle
They have the MacBook Pro's and had the Macbook for sub $1000 which has now been replaced with the 11" Air.

The point is a smaller iPad would not be without precedent in Apple's lineups.

When the retina iPad hits $399 next year, if no Android devices exist to compete with it at its current price by then, there won't be any Android devices left in the tablet space. All the 'compelling' arguments to buy one will be moot.

I don't think we'll see that scenario. I think what could happen, though, is that Apple will continue to offer a lower-resolution iPad at the $399 price point and refresh the product from time to time. For example, improvements in processor performance and weight reduction would make the lower-cost iPad a compelling option for quite a long time.